Ruedi Reservoir

Description:

Ruedi Dam and Reservoir, features of the Fryingpan Arkansas Project, are on the Fryingpan River about 15 miles east of Basalt, Colorado. Ruedi Dam is a rock and earthfill structure that stands about 285 feet high above streambed and has a crest length of 1,042 feet. The Reservoir is on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, where snow-capped mountain peaks reach over 13,000 feet and the thickly forested slopes provide an exceptionally beautiful background for recreation activities. Recreation facilities consist of 4 campgrounds accommodating 81 campsites and 2 boat-launching ramps. Surface available for recreation includes 997 acres. Primary recreation activities include camping, motorized boating, sailing, and fishing. Access is good. Game fish species available include rainbow trout, brown trout, and mackinaw trout. Facilities closed in winter due to ice and snow. Current reservoir levels.

Directions:

On the Fryingpan River about 15 miles east of Basalt, Colorado and 30 miles southeast of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Take State Road 82 about 30 miles south of Glenwood Springs to reach road leading to Basalt.

The bighorn sheep is the mammalian symbol of Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Colorado's official animal. Colorado is home to the largest population of the species anywhere. The animals are five to six feet long with a tail three to six inches in length.